Focused on developmental growth, we will use the most recently completed academic grade to place our campers. Camper Eligibility (2026 Season)- Open to students currently in 3rd through 10th grade. Applicants must be 9 years old by August 9, 2026.

The enrollment fee is $1,700 per camper. This fee includes round trip bus transportation (optional), meals, activities, and lodging for your camper.

Family Discounts – We’re excited to announce the introduction of a Family Discount  for those attending camp. This does include siblings that participate as counselors and CITs – $100 per individual after the first camper. As an example: If a family has three kids (one counselor, two campers), their total discount would be $200 (Counselor = $100, Second Sibling = $100).

Financial Assistance – Camp Naru seeks to be accessible to all Korean American youth, regardless of their financial circumstances. Through our scholarship fund, we offer assistance in the range from partial to full aid depending on the individual family’s need. Our financial assistance program is to ensure that cost is not a barrier to the Camp Naru experience. 

To apply for assistance, please complete the form here after you have submitted your registration application. The financial assistance form deadline is February 17, 2026. 

Yes, we make every effort to hire a team of registered nurses or medical doctors in-residence full-time during Camp Naru – available on-site in the well-equipped health center. 

• A Physician Signature Health Form (which can be downloaded from CampMinder) and a clean, legible copy of your personal Health Insurance Card (front and back) are required for every camper. 
• A physical exam by licensed medical personnel is required no earlier than 12 months prior to camp.  
• A certified CMO is on staff and we have a well-equipped health center that includes a dispensary and sick bay.  Any time a camper is referred for medical attention outside camp or is restricted from normal program participation for more than 24 hours, parents will be contacted and advised. 
• Parents/guardians will be responsible for all costs incurred on behalf of the participant for medical treatment and/or hospitalization while attending Camp Naru or traveling to/from camp.  
• All medications of any kind must be checked in with the CMO upon arrival at camp. Our CMO will retain and dispense all meds to campers according to their prescriptions and/or as needed. 

Camp Naru is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all campers and staff. We prioritize the safety and well-being of all campers, including those with food allergies, by implementing a comprehensive allergy policy and protocol that combines best practices. Through this approach, we strive to create an environment where all campers can participate fully and safely, regardless of their food allergies. We are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of care and ensuring a positive camp experience for every camper. Below are our policy and protocols to strengthen food safety at camp.

Medical and Allergy Forms – 

1. 1. All submitted medical forms, including Allergy Action Plans, are reviewed, and organized by the Camp Naru medical team prior to the start of camp.
   2. Allergy information and protocols for all individuals with allergies, are kept in the main office, health clinic, dining area, and accessible to the medical team and staff necessary to care for campers.

Allergy Protocols and Staff Training – 

1. 1. Medical and allergy protocol training will be provided to all staff. All individual medical conditions, including allergies, will be carefully reviewed with the child’s counselor and relevant staff.
   2. All staff members, personnel, including counselors, kitchen staff, and medical personnel, receive specialized training on food allergies, recognizing symptoms, and administering emergency treatment.
   3. Training sessions are conducted before the start of each camp session, with annual refreshers and updates on the latest allergy management guidelines.

Identification – Campers with allergies will have a visible colored sticker on their name tag for staff awareness. Counselors and staff will closely monitor for any reactions and notify medical staff immediately, when needed.

Mealtimes – 

1. 1. For each meal, camp staff will list food served on Menu Board and indicate items (DF, GF, Vegan) to be aware of when an allergen is on the menu and communicate accordingly. A member of the medical team and camp staff responsible for food safety will be present during mealtime for support.
   2. One medical staff will be present at mealtimes and keep allergy medications (EpiPens, Benadryl, etc.) in the dining hall during meal times. *At the discretion of the medical staff member at meal time, any child with a severe allergic reaction will be sent to the medical clinic for the head physician to treat and determine appropriate care.
   3. Camp Naru will ensure substitutions will be provided by the camp kitchen staff for each meal, snack, movie night, cooking session.

Host Camp Kitchen – Staff will notify the host camp kitchen staff of all allergies. Designated camp staff will review the meal plan and ingredients to ensure food served to kids with allergies do not contain allergens. (Note: Poconos Spring Camp is a nut-free camp.)

Community Care – Camp staff will communicate allergy information with counselors to discuss camp values around community care and taking care of each other. Counselors will share allergy information with fellow bunk mates as one way to promote camp community care and take precaution themselves.

Emergency Preparedness – 

1. 1. Maintain and regularly review Allergy Action Plans for campers with allergies, detailing steps to take in case of an allergic reaction.
   2. Ensure that epinephrine auto-injectors are readily accessible in multiple locations throughout the camp, including dining areas, activity sites, and medical facilities.
   3. Be informed of the availability of emergency care:
      1. How to contact EMT/ambulance
      2. How much time is needed for an emergency crew to arrive.
      3. How far it is to the nearest hospital.
      4. On trips away from the campsite, a communication device (i.e., cell phone, 2-way radio) should be carried.

Responsibilities of Parents/Guardians – 

1. Providing accurate and up-to-date allergy information during the registration process, including any changes in their child’s allergy status.
2. Submit a comprehensive Allergy Action Plan prepared by their healthcare provider, detailing emergency procedures and medication administration instructions.
3. Ensure that their child’s prescribed medications, such as epinephrine auto-injectors and antihistamines, are current, properly labeled, and provided to camp staff upon arrival.
4. Communicate openly with camp staff about their child’s allergy management needs, including any dietary restrictions or specific precautions.
5. In the event of a change in their child’s allergy status during the camp session, parents/guardians should promptly notify camp staff and provide updated medical information.
6. Written consent is required from parents/guardians for the collection, use, and disclosure of medical information.

Responsibilities of Campers – 

1. 1. NEVER trade food with other campers.
   2. Not eat anything with unknown ingredients.
   3. Read every label (when possible and if age appropriate) and check with a counselor when in doubt.
   4. Be proactive in the management of mild reactions, such as seeking help if a reaction is suspected.
   5. Tell an adult if a reaction seems to be starting, even if there is no visible appearance of allergic response.
   6. NOT go off alone if symptoms are beginning.
   7. Advocate for themselves by avoiding foods they are allergic to and promptly reporting any symptoms of an allergic reaction to camp staff.

Communication and Collaboration – 

1. 1. Maintain open communication channels with parents/guardians, including providing updates on their child’s allergy management and any incidents that occur during the camp session.
   2. Collaborate with camp healthcare providers to ensure that campers’ medical needs are met and that appropriate accommodations are in place.

Inclusive Environment – 

1. 1. Foster a culture of inclusivity and respect for diversity, ensuring that campers with allergies feel supported and included in all camp activities.
   2. Provide alternative meal options and accommodations for campers with dietary restrictions beyond allergies, such as vegetarian or vegan preferences.

Privacy of Medical Information – Camp Naru is committed to keeping campers’ medical information private and access limited. Access to health records is restricted to authorized personnel only. Staff members are prohibited from sharing medical information without medical reason. Information is shared only with staff involved in the camper’s care. Verbal communication is limited to essential personnel in private settings.

Camp Staff – Camp staff with allergies will follow similar protocols with the collection of allergy information, community care.

Accepted campers must submit a deposit when they register. We encourage registrations and deposits be submitted within 2 weeks of camp acceptance. We accept electronic payments through our application portal. Instructions will be provided. 

NEXT STEPS FOR 2026 ENROLLED CAMPERS

You will not be charged when submitting an application.

• CAMPERS
  If your camper is accepted, you will then be charged the initial deposit ($250.00) and receive an email receipt of the charge to your ACH or card.CITs
  If your child is accepted, you will be charged the program camp week housing and meals fee.

• early March – You will receive and email to begin completing forms through CampMinder. There are several forms, so we encourage you to start early. 
  * Health forms require an annual physical within one year from the date of completion. If needed, please schedule pediatrician and allergist appointments as soon as possible.
   

• April 30 – Deadline for all completed forms and full payment.
  Missing forms or late payments will result in forfeited enrollment, and spots will be offered to waitlisted campers.
   
• Parent Checklist – Use our Parent Checklist to keep up with forms, deadlines, and important reminders. 

We do not accept care packages. We ask that parents/guardians pack whatever the participant will need for the entire week prior to their arrival.

Camp Naru is for those of Korean descent, which includes children born in Korea, children of Korean immigrants (second-generation and beyond), adoptees, and bi-racial Koreans. For more details, or special consideration, please e-mail info@campnaru.org.

If your child has special requirements (e.g., Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, difficulty with impulse control, bed-wetting, epilepsy, or other needs/limiting conditions), please be sure to disclose them fully in the medical form and also e-mail us at info@campnaru.org.  We will contact you to discuss your child’s needs and what can be done to help them attend Camp Naru. Full and transparent disclosure about your child’s needs is your best way to ensure appropriate care for your child will be provided at Camp Naru. Please share the requested information and be assured that it is handled in strictest confidence by the Director’s office.

As we have a limited number of slots available for camp, all applications will be reviewed and campers whose applications are approved will be notified with instructions for registration.

We will notify campers of their acceptance and enrollment in the program beginning at the start of the calendar year.

This year, we will be providing a round-trip bus service from one location in/around Queens, NY and one location in/around Paramus, NJ will be available.  Exact times and locations will be announced prior to camp.  Cost for the bus is included in the camp fees.  Campers are encouraged to ride the bus, but are not required to do so.  Should parents elect to drive their campers, we ask that they drive their camper both ways. Details and options can be found in within CampMinder.

Our camp program will run from August 9-15, 2026.

The Camper Packing List (available on the website) provides a guideline for clothing and equipment needed at camp. 
Do not bring expensive items to camp; this is a good place for older clothes. Do not bring blow dryers, curling irons, etc.. No candy or food should be sent with campers. Healthful, nutritious meals are served three times a day. A limited amount of Korean treats can be purchased each day at the store. 

No electronic devices. Campers should not bring laptops, hand-held video games or other electronic devices to camp. Should these electronic devices be found, along with cell phones, they will be collected at the start of camp and returned at the end of camp. Cell phones and other restricted electronic devices not voluntarily turned in at the start of camp, and discovered during camp will be confiscated and returned directly to parents at the end of camp.

Label all belongings clearly!  We will do our best to help campers return home with all their belongings, but we are not responsible for lost items or cell phones not voluntarily turned in at the start of camp.

Camp Naru is a cash-free camp. Campers should not bring cash to camp.

Instead, campers will have the opportunity to earn Naru Coins as a cabin through teamwork, positive behavior, and active participation in camp programs.

Naru Coins can be used at Naru Mart to purchase snacks, basic necessities, and Camp Naru merchandise. Items may include toiletries, socks, candy, snacks, and Camp Naru swag.

This system encourages collaboration, responsibility, and community spirit while keeping our camp environment safe and organized.

Camp rules on proper behavior are spelled out in the CAMPER CODE OF CONDUCT form that must be signed by all campers and a parent. Campers are not allowed to leave camp without the Camp Director’s permission and without proper staff supervision. Campers are expected to remain in their assigned groups, follow directions of supervising staff, and obey rules.  

All staff, including leadership members and counselors, are carefully trained to work with children and promote a trusting environment. It is assumed that campers who come to Camp are amenable to discipline and will conform to the standards and regulations of our program. Camp Naru reserves the right to dismiss any camper who breaks policy, or whose behavior or health might jeopardize themselves or others at camp. 

Bullying and other malicious social behavior will not be tolerated at camp. Those who are found to be bullying or threatening others will be dismissed from camp. Any camper found possessing alcoholic beverages, drugs, drug paraphernalia, cigarettes (including e-cigs, vapes, etc.), weapons, or pornographic materials may be dismissed from camp.  Any camper dismissed from camp for disciplinary reasons will not be eligible for a refund of fees.

Homesickness is common and natural when a child is separated from familiar environments. Most affected campers get over their homesickness quickly. We do not allow campers to call home. However, in cases which are not quickly resolved, the Camp Director will be in touch with parents. Learning how to deal with their homesickness may very well be one of the most important experiences a child has while at camp. Please feel free to e-mail the Camp Director with any concerns. 

We are committed to creating a community space for our campers to fully engage one another and immerse themselves in the camp experience. In some instances, a parent’s presence can be a distraction and/or disruptive to this process. So at this time, we ask that parents and friends not visit. 

Telephones are not available for camper use except in staff supervised business or emergency situations. If parents have important/urgent news that campers must know, please give us a call phone (and leave voice message if necessary) and your message will be given to your child at the next meal time. Please do not ask to speak to your child – a more lenient telephone policy can create an impossible situation for camp. In case of emergency, do not hesitate to call our Camp Director or alternatively call Poconos Springs Camp. We will provide relevant contact information prior to camp after enrollment.

All staff have a deep appreciation and understanding of Korean cultural identity and heritage.

Our recruitment process for all counselor staff includes an application, interview, reference check and background check (national criminal and sex offender database check). In addition, we conduct a comprehensive and in-depth training for our staff prior to the participant’s arrival. 

Many of the counselor staff have prior camp experience. Each is committed to contributing to a safe, valuable, and enjoyable time at Camp Naru.  All staff prospects complete a written application and are interviewed by the Director and a member of the leadership team. The Camp Director, along with the leadership team, is present at camp. 

Staff are observed, consulted and coached throughout each day. Parents/guardians are encouraged to complete the post-camp evaluation with their participant, which has a section for feedback on their experience with the staff.

Counselor to camper ratios is established by the State of New York Department of Parks and Recreation at a ratio of 10:1. However, Camp Naru aims to bring that ratio down to 4:1. All staff are required to keep campers within sight or sound at all times. Counselors regularly check on each camper’s health and happiness and respond as needed.

We recognize that life happens and that things sometimes force change. For those families that need to cancel their registration, please do so immediately by contacting the Camp Director. 

Prior to April 1, any family that chooses to withdraw their camper – regardless of circumstance – the family will be provided a 100% refund.

Between April 1 and June 1, any family that chooses to withdraw their camper – regardless of circumstance – the family will be provided any remaining balance less the initial $250 deposit.

After June 1, any family that chooses to withdraw their camper – regardless of circumstance – the family will forgo any balance already received.

*Will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Refunds may only be granted under special circumstances (e.g. medical emergency) at the sole discretion of the Camp Director.

Mid-week cancellation or removal from camp, or removal due to expulsion, will result in forfeiture of the entire payment.

 

COVID-19 Refunds

Prior to Camp

• We offer the opportunity for any camper that is diagnosed as positive before camp, to rapid test negative and report to camp at any point during the week. However, no partial refunds will be designated for this circumstance.

During Camp

• We do not offer any refunds for campers that are in attendance at camp and are diagnosed with COVID-19. Unfortunately, camp pays the full cost of each camper upfront – before camp begins – and does not receive any benefit of less participants.

Yes, Camp Naru operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. However, enrollment fees paid to Camp Naru will not generally be eligible for a charitable deduction. 

First, there will be Camp Naru staff members walking around the campground and monitoring for safety of our community. Second, the campsite is 24/7 video recorded and there will be additional Pocono Springs Camp staff monitoring the campground throughout the camp week. Lastly, all Camp Naru affiliates (campers and staff) will be required to wear a name tag at all times as a means of identification. Those without identification will not be allowed on the campground unless screened and authorized by the Co-Directors.